6 Creative Ways to Turn Gingerbread House Decorating into a Fun Language Activity
Decorating gingerbread houses is a fun activity, but it can also be an amazing opportunity to build language skills! Here are six easy ways to turn gingerbread house decorating into a fun language activity:
Sequencing: Before you begin, talk about the steps you’ll take to build the gingerbread house. For example, “First, we’ll build the walls. Then, we’ll add the roof and decorate it with icing and candy.” After completing the house, have your client or child retell the steps in order.
Adjectives: Describe the elements you’re using to decorate. Is the icing sweet? Is the candy round, hard, or sticky? This is a great way to expand vocabulary and explore descriptive language. Encourage your child to come up with their own adjectives as they decorate!
Turn Taking: Take turns decorating the house. For example, one person can apply icing while the other places candies, or you can take turns placing candies. This teaches patience, collaboration, and turn-taking, which are important for communication and teamwork.
Vocabulary: Label all the components of your gingerbread house. Talk about the candy, icing, gumdrops, trees, doors, windows, and other decorations. Expand the activity by describing actions with verbs, such as “place the candies,” “squeeze the icing,” and “build the roof.”
Directions: Practice following and giving directions. For example, say, “Next, draw a window with icing,” or “Place the red candy on top of the roof.” This builds listening skills and helps kids understand sequencing and instructions.
Prepositions: Use prepositions to describe where decorations are being placed. Talk about placing the candies “on top” of the roof, putting a wreath “on” the door, or placing gumdrops “next to” the windows.
Hope you can use these tips to turn your gingerbread house decorating this season into a fun activity that provides your child with many opportunities to learn new language!
Author: Danica Federe M.S., CCC-SLP, CLC